Private · Guests Only
Bordeaux
2026
 
Celebrating 30 Years · May 2026

Château
Bordeaux

A 30th Anniversary in France
Arrival May 17
Château Ends May 23
Optional Leg May 23–27
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What to Bring

Packing List

Late May in the Bordeaux region is warm and beautiful --- typically 65–78°F. Pack for comfortable days, mild evenings, and a few nice dinners.

Clothing

  • Lightweight layers (evenings can cool)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • One or two nicer dinner outfits
  • Casual daywear
  • Light jacket or cardigan
  • Sunhat
  • Swimsuit

Essentials

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Travel insurance info
  • European plug adapter
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable day bag
  • Any prescriptions
  • Small amount of euros in cash

Nice to Have

  • Camera or quality phone lens
  • Reusable water bottle
  • French phrasebook / offline maps
  • Light reading for downtime
  • Portable charger

Leave Behind

  • Overpacking --- you'll thank yourself
  • Heavy formal wear
  • Work anxiety (orders from management)
Getting There

Flight Options

All recommended flights route through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) on Air France --- this is intentional. Paris has many daily connections to Bordeaux, so if there's any delay, you have options. Flight times are subject to change; book as soon as possible to secure availability. Questions or booking support: elena@ora.travel

From New York · JFK

Outbound · May 16

Departs JFK 6:30 PM → Arrives BOD 11:00 AM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 40 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 30 min, overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives JFK 3:50 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 10 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 55 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives JFK 3:50 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 10 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 55 min.

Extended Return

From Newark · EWR

Outbound · May 16

Departs EWR 5:00 PM → Arrives BOD 8:25 AM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr layover). Overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives EWR 2:45 PM. 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 10 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 50 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 9:55 AM → Arrives EWR 2:45 PM. 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 10 min layover). Total: 10 hrs 50 min.

Extended Return

From Boston · BOS

Outbound · May 16

Departs BOS 9:45 PM → Arrives BOD 1:15 PM (+1). 1 stop via CDG (1 hr 25 min layover). Total: 9 hrs 30 min, overnight flight.

Outbound

Return Option 1 · May 23

Departs BOD 2:05 PM → Arrives BOS 7:35 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 15 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 30 min.

Return

Return Option 2 · May 27

Departs BOD 2:05 PM → Arrives BOS 7:35 PM. 1 stop via CDG (2 hr 15 min layover). Total: 11 hrs 30 min.

Extended Return

Airport to Château · Group Van Transfer

A private van will transport everyone from Bordeaux airport (BOD) to Château Le Vert together. Please plan to arrive at BOD by 12:00 PM on May 17 so we can depart as a group. If you're flying in the night before or have an early arrival, let the group know on the Guest Board.

Group Transfer
Where We're Going

Château Le Vert

We're staying at Château Le Vert, a private estate approximately one hour from Bordeaux, in the heart of southwest France's wine country.

Add a brief description of the property here --- grounds, nearest village, anything guests should know before they arrive.

Part 1 · The Château

May 17–23
Your home base in the French countryside. A private chef will be on hand to prepare breakfast and dinner daily at the château.

Part 2 · Bordeaux City

May 23–27 · Optional
Jeanine and Hervey will be staying in Bordeaux city to continue the celebration --- May 25 is their anniversary and May 26 is Jeanine's birthday. You are warmly welcome to join them. See the Hotels section for where to stay.

Château Le Vert exterior Château Le Vert interior Château Le Vert grounds Outdoor dining at Château Le Vert
Château Le Vert pool Château Le Vert, Bordeaux
Day by Day

The Itinerary

Part 1 At the Château · May 17–23
Sat · May 17

Arrival Day

Guests arrive together via group van from BOD (please be at the airport by 12:00 PM). Settle in, explore the grounds. Welcome dinner prepared by our private chef.

Sun · May 18

Sunday

More details coming soon.

Mon · May 19

Monday

More details coming soon.

Tue · May 20

Tuesday

More details coming soon.

Wed · May 21

Wednesday

More details coming soon.

Thu · May 22

Thursday

More details coming soon.

Fri · May 23

Château Checkout / Part 2 Begins

Château stay concludes. Optional leg guests continue to Bordeaux city.

Optional Part 2 · May 23–27 · Bordeaux City
May 23

Check into Bordeaux City

Château stay concludes. Jeanine and Hervey head to Bordeaux city to continue the celebration. All are welcome to join --- see Hotels section for recommendations.

May 25

🥂 30th Anniversary

Jeanine and Hervey's 30th anniversary. Join them in Bordeaux to celebrate!

May 26

🎂 Jeanine's Birthday

The celebrations continue --- Jeanine's birthday in the city of wine. The more the merrier.

May 27

Departures

Safe travels home. Return flights from BOD available --- see Flights section for options.

Things to Do

Activities

From wine country exploration to local village markets. More specific plans and bookings will be shared here in the coming weeks --- stay tuned.

🍷

Wine Tastings

Guided visits to nearby estates in the Bordeaux appellation.

🏘️

Village Exploration

Medieval villages, markets, cafés, and French countryside charm.

🚴

Cycling

Vineyard routes by bike. Flat terrain through the Gironde suits all levels.

🍽️

Cooking & Dining

Group dinners at the château and local bistros. Optional cooking class.

🏛️

Bordeaux City

Day trip to the UNESCO riverfront, Cité du Vin, and St-Pierre quarter.

🌿

Leisure

Grounds, gardens, pool. Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing in France.

Outdoor dining at Château Le Vert Al fresco evenings
Bordeaux City · Part 2

Hotel Options

For those joining the optional leg (May 23–27), Bordeaux city center is walkable, well-connected by tram, and genuinely beautiful. Book early --- late May fills up fast.

Villas Foch · Cours du Maréchal Foch

A 5-star boutique hotel in a stunning 19th-century building near the tram. 20 rooms and 8 suites, spa, and cocktail bar. Rated 4.8/5 --- exceptional service, spotless rooms, walkable to everything. The top pick for this group.

Recommended

Le Boutique Hôtel Bordeaux · Rue Lafaurie de Monbadon

A well-regarded 4-star in the heart of the city. On-site restaurant and spa, 24/7 staff, and a short walk to major attractions. Rated 4.4/5 --- great value for the location and quality.

Good Value

Hotel Le Palais Gallien · Rue Abbé de l'Épée

A refined boutique property in a quiet residential area, about 15 minutes on foot to the center. Elegant interiors, named rooms, and attentive service. Rated 4.6/5 --- ideal if you want calm over bustle.

Boutique
Guest Board

Questions & Conversation

This is the place for anything trip-related before, during, and after we go. Got a question about packing, flights, or what to expect at the château? Ask it here. Want to share something you're excited about, coordinate a side trip, or suggest a dinner spot in Bordeaux? Post it here. Everyone on the trip can see and reply to everything --- think of it as a group chat that lives on the site. You'll need a free Disqus account to post (takes about 30 seconds), or you can log in with Google or Facebook.